For those who are lovers of The Yule Log and of Christmas music in general, this man needs no musical introduction.

However, for those who may not be familiar with Percy Faith -- especially younger folks, then this one song would be a perfect introduction -- and it would say more musically than I could ever say verbally in mere mortal words. The song is Mr. Faith's rendition of "O Come All Ye Faithful," which was originally released in 1954 on his classic and legendary Columbia Records LP, Music Of Christmas. The version that you're about to listen to is the one that was released on the re-recorded Stereo LP in 1959.

One of the many aspects of Mr. Faith's immense and incredible talent were his brilliant arrangements. In particular, his gift for being so deftly able to create beautiful counter-melodies that would complement the original melody of a song. For this song in particular, the first counter-melody begins 14 seconds into the song: the brass section plays the main melody and the string section plays the counter-melody. Then, at 3:11 into the song, comes the next significant melody/counter-melody duet between the brass and the strings.

This song, like every song from Music Of Christmas and his second Christmas album, Hallelujah (originally released in 1958 and renamed Music Of Christmas, Vol. 2 in 1965), sounds like it was piped down from heaven. His music projected simultaneously a power, majesty and reverence like nobody who came before him, or anybody who has come after him. He had the unique ability to emit with his music heart-wrenchingly poignant emotion and feeling. I am not at all ashamed to admit that I cannot listen to his music without an occasional tear welling up in my eye.

Here now without further ado is the great master and maestro, Percy Faith. (Don't forget to turn up the volume!)

Decided to drive around the local area tonight to look at Christmas lights - and in my SUV's CD player were both volumes of "Music Of Christmas".

There is really no doubt in my mind that these are the quintessential albums of orchestral Christmas music ! It was the perfect musical background to my trip - definitely put me in the Christmas mood !!